Categories
*In the box

In the Box: Summer, Week #8

GEOF potatoes
Potatoes! Image via GEOF

Golden Earthworm Veggie Share*
Zucchini – 3 pieces
Swiss Chard – 1 bunch
Red Batavian Lettuce – 1 head
Green Batavian Lettuce – 1 head
Green Cabbage – 1 head
Cucumbers – 4-5 pieces
Baby Red Potatoes – 1 quart
Garlic – 1 small head
Basil – 1 bunch
Onion – 1 bunch
*Contents of the share may fluctuate over the week.

Fruit Share
Peaches – 1 bag
(Ripen peaches in a paper bag on the counter, then refrigerate)
Blueberries – 1 pint
(Store in the refrigerator)

Herb Share
Orange Mint – 1 bunch
Marjoram – 1 bunch

Milk Not Jails
Dairy share pick up

Lewis Waite Farm CSA Extras
If you ordered, pick up your LWF items

A few friendly reminders & updates:

NOTES FROM GOLDEN EARTHWORM
Everyone seemed to find last week’s storage tips helpful, so I’ll try to include them in each newsletter from now on. All greens – Swiss Chard, Lettuce and the Green Cabbage should be stored in a plastic bag in the fridge. The Basil can be stored this way for a day, but if you want it to last longer its stems should be put in a glass (bouquet style) standing up in the fridge. The Cucumbers should be stored in the fridge, as should the Onion and the Potatoes, which are freshly harvested and will not store well in this heat. The garlic is fresh, so its skin has not fully dried out. This is a special hard-neck variety not found in stores. It is worth its weight in gold! We don’t grow much since the organic seed is very hard to come by in quantity, so savor it! It can sit on your counter for a week or so, but I would highly recommend using it with the basil for a delicious pesto! (Recipe below) I use pesto on pasta or as a spread on crostini or crackers as an appetizer.

Bon appetit! -Maggie

A NOTE FROM YOUR FARMER
After a couple of lackluster weeks of harvests for the CSA boxes we have a lovely assortment of new crops to harvest and send out this week. At these times we get the feeling that some of our members think were playing a trick or game and hiding all our extra special delicious crops somewhere. It may be hard to believe, but even with our 70+ acres in production for CSA, it is possible to have very, very little to harvest at a particular point during the year. Almost always this is due to lengthy periods of excessively wet field conditions.

Climatic conditions from June 7 through June 19th prevented us from working in the fields doing any kind of tillage, planting, weeding, fertilizing, etc. Most vegetable production is fairly complex, but growing for CSA is extra complex and demanding because of the need to continuously harvest and deliver a well balanced, diverse assortment of produce. With great weather this is already a significant challenge. With extended disruptions to planting and general field work it is not possible to come through with the intended crops at the desired time, thus leading to potential dissatisfaction when you pick up your shares.

We always plan to plant a certain quantity of crops which relates to the number of members we anticipate signing up. What we actually harvest is a result of various things, but the largest deciding factor of what ends up in your CSA box is the WEATHER! For people whose daily lives are relatively unaffected by weather, this may seem mind boggling that the darn weather affects their CSA share.

Farmers and field workers are intrinsically linked to the daily weather and how it affects them. In April and part of May we long for the awful Long Island wind to stop blowing from the East or the North, so we and the plants can thaw out. In the summer it’s such a rare treat to have a nice cool moist Easterly breeze, or a crisp North wind like we had this past Sunday. This past week we were lucky enough to enjoy high humidity and temperatures in the mid 90’s and the searing sun for more than 10 hours a day!!! But luckily there was a nice breeze for part of it. Talk about things that slow down production! Yes, the farm keeps on rolling, just a little slower.

Which brings me to the main theme of last week… irrigation. That is about all I did last week – the whole week- plus a little tractor work. I think it’s been 3-4 weeks with no rain and the unirrigated parts of the farm are either dust or completely dried out vegetation. With heat like last week all of our crops need loads of water, so that’s what we must provide. Luckily we can, and we managed to do it.

We irrigate with aluminum pipes with sprinklers that are hand moved from section to section, and also with a fair amount of drip hoses on crops like tomatoes and cucumbers.  As you will see in your shares this week the cucumbers are very happy with the heat and the water they get from their drip lines. Now that we have watered the crops we need to start watering the other sections of the farm so we can prepare for our late summer and fall plantings.

We appreciate your patience as we deal with the various weather issues that have affected the farm. We would also like everyone to share in the excitement of looking forward to the best months of the CSA season…coming soon! As always, everyone at the farm works diligently to uphold our end of the CSA relationship by growing as much high quality, nutritious, organic produce as we can. We also hope to bring some joy to your lives as we share this unique experience.

Happy Eating from our family to yours…

-Farmer Matt

CONNECT WITH YOUR FARM
Golden Earthworm welcomes you to explore their website to learn more about our farm and the wonderful things you can do with your weekly share.

+ FIND RECIPES
 + VEGETABLE INFO & STORAGE TIPS

If you have questions or concerns about your share, please do not hesitate to contact the farm. That is one of the benefits of knowing where your food comes from!

RECIPES FROM THE FARM
Fresh Pesto (for pasta)
New Potatoes with Pesto and Parmesan
Coleslaw with Yoghurt Dressing

Categories
*In the box

In the Box: Summer, Week #7

GEOF-parsley
Parsley. image via GEOF

Golden Earthworm Veggie Share*
Radicchio – 1 head
Cucumber – 1 pieces
Zucchini – 3 pieces
Scallions – 1 small head
Parsley – 1 bunch
Walla Walla Onions – 1 bunch
*Contents of the share may fluctuate over the week.

Fruit Share
Blackberries – 1/2 pint
Blueberries – 1 pint
(Please be sure to store your berries in the fridge!)

Herb share
Chives
Sage

Milk Not Jails
Dairy share pick up

A few friendly reminders & updates:

CSA BBQ on July 13th
Thank you for joining us for our annual cookout—what fun! Are you looking forward to the next CSA get-together? More CSA events coming soon! Contact us with pictures from the BBQ or suggestions/feedback for next time.

NOTES FROM GOLDEN EARTHWORM
I think it’s a good time to talk about veg storage—especially in this heat! As a general rule, veg should be kept cool or cold. It should not be left out on the counter or it will deteriorate very quickly. Remove the tops of the Carrots before storing them in the fridge in a plastic bag. Scallions should also be kept in a bag in the fridge. Cucumbers and Zucchini should be refrigerated as well, but they don’t need to be bagged. The Parsley is best stored in a bag in the fridge, or in a cup of water (standing up like a bouquet) in the fridge. You can revive limp greens of any kind by submerging the whole bunch in a large bowl of ice cold water for several minutes. The Walla Walla Onions are fresh (not cured) so they should be eaten soon and stored in the fridge. The onion greens should be removed. And finally, the berries in the fruit share are extremely perishable. They must be kept in the fridge and eaten with a day.

Our share this week is on the light side as we hit our annual July dip before the bulk of the summer harvest comes in. Perhaps this is perfectly convenient timing since who wants to cook in this heat? Farmer Matt wanted me to give you some more information about this dip in the quantity of produce in the shares…

We are just starting to harvest our cucumber crop, so the one piece this week is just a teaser of things to come. That said, about 30 percent of our cucumber and zucchini plantings were lost due to flooding in the heavy rains last month. As we mentioned in last week’s letter, our planting and cultivating schedules were set back from June 7th through 20th (typically a very busy planting time) because of the wet field conditions, so some of the crops that would usually be harvested this week are delayed. Good news is that we have a lot of beautiful crops coming your way shortly! These include more cucumbers, green beans, eggplant, bell peppers, several types of early potatoes, basil, garlic, red onions, red and cherry tomatoes and baby watermelons!

-Maggie

CONNECT WITH YOUR FARM
Golden Earthworm welcomes you to explore their website to learn more about our farm and the wonderful things you can do with your weekly share.

+ FIND RECIPES
 + VEGETABLE INFO & STORAGE TIPS

If you have questions or concerns about your share, please do not hesitate to contact the farm. That is one of the benefits of knowing where your food comes from!

RECIPES FROM THE FARM
Pickled Cucumber
Spaghetti with Parsley Pesto
Caramelized Onion, Feta and Sage Pizza

Categories
*In the box

In the Box: Winter, Week #5

WS-blueberries
Frozen blueberries! Image via Winter Sun Farms

*Last winter share delivery*

Golden Earthworm Share*
Yellow Potatoes – 8 lbs.
Rutabaga – 3.25 lbs.
Watermelon Radish – 3.5 lbs.
Beets – 3.5 lbs.
Carrots – 8 lbs.
Belgian Endive – 2 pieces
Red or Toscano Kale – 1/2 lb. Bag
*Contents of the share may fluctuate over the week.

Winter Sun Share
Sweet Corn (16 oz.)
Green Beans (12 oz.)
Broccoli (12 oz.)
Diced Peppers (12 oz.)
Blueberries (8 oz.)
Tomato Puree (in a 24 oz. jar)
FRESH Pea Shoots

Golden Earthworm Cider Share

Golden Earthworm Apple Share

A few friendly reminders & updates:

Welcome New CSA Members!
Thanks for joining us! We hope you will take the time to engage with our various offerings—like CSA Extras from Lewis Waite Farms, and later in the season, Dairy Shares and the U-Pick Strawberries trip to the farm! Please take a look at our website, especially the CSA Details and Volunteer sections. Contact Us anytime with questions, comments or suggestions! Also, be sure to join our Yahoo group because this is how we send important info and updates!

Lewis Waite Farm CSA Extras
Place your next Lewis Waite order by April 4th for delivery on Tuesday, April 9th. NOTE: The winter Lewis Waite deliveries occur on Tuesdays (not Thursdays!) at our usual pick up location (Sunnyside Community Services). Place your order now!

Want to Join the CSA Core Group?!
Sunnyside CSA Core Group needs a Site Coordinator ~ Want to get more involved with your CSA? This is a great (volunteer) opportunity! This is a time-consuming role, that’s why it comes with HALF a CSA share FREE! Read more…

Categories
*In the box

In the Box: Winter, Week #4

Golden Earthworm Share*
Yellow Potatoes – 6 lbs.
Rutabaga – 1 lb.
Watermelon Radish – 1 lb.
Beets – 1-2 lbs.
Carrots – 5 lbs.
Sweet Potatoes – 5 lbs.
May also include Belgian Endive
*Contents of the share may fluctuate over the week.

Winter Sun Share
Sweet Corn (16 oz.)
Green Beans (12 oz.)
Butternut Squash Puree (16 oz.)
Cauliflower or Kale (12 oz.)
Blueberries (8 oz.)
Tomato Puree (in a 24 oz. jar)
FRESH Pea Shoots

Golden Earthworm Cider Share

Golden Earthworm Apple Share

A few friendly reminders & updates:

2013 Season Sign Ups
Returning members, if you couldn’t make it to our Town Hall and Returning Member sign ups last week, don’t worry! You can sign up during Open Sign Ups on February 21st from 6-8pm at SCS. Please Contact Us if you have questions.

Categories
*In the box

In the Box: Winter, Week #3

Belgian Endive
Belgian Endive. Image via GEOF

Golden Earthworm Share*
Yellow Potatoes – 5 lbs.
Parsnips – 1 lb.
Rutabaga – 1 lb.
Watermelon Radish – 1 lb.
Beets – 2 lbs.
Kohlrabi – 2 lbs.
Carrots – 5 lbs.
Sweet Potatoes – 5 lbs.
Green Cabbage – 2 heads
May also include Belgian Endive
*Contents of the share may fluctuate over the week.

Winter Sun Share
Sweet Corn
Green Beans
Butternut Squash Puree
Cauliflower/Kale
Blueberries
Tomato Puree (24 oz. jar)
FRESH Pea shoots

Golden Earthworm Cider Share

Golden Earthworm Apple Share

A few friendly reminders & updates:

2013 Season Sign Ups
Returning members, if you couldn’t make it to our Town Hall and Returning Member sign ups last week, don’t worry! You can sign up during Open Sign Ups on February 21st from 6-8pm at SCS. Please Contact Us if you have questions.

Read about the Share Options
Download and print the Membership Contract: Sunnyside CSA 2013 Contract

New members are invited to attend Open Sign Ups on February 21st from 6-8pm at our regular CSA pick up spot, Sunnyside Community Services. Please read about the Share Options, then Download the Contract, and bring it, along with your check made out to Sunnyside CSA, to the sign up. Be sure to join our Yahoo group because this is how we send important info and updates!

Categories
*In the box

In the Box: Winter, Week #2

Golden Earthworm Share*
Yellow Potatoes – 4 lb.
Parsnips – 1 lb.
Rutabaga – 1.5 lb.
Watermelon Radish – 1.5 lb.
Red Beets – 2 lb.
Carrots – 5 lb.
Sweet Potatoes – 5 lb.
Savoy Cabbage – 1 head
Green Cabbage – 1 head
*Contents of the share may fluctuate over the week.

Winter Sun Share
Broccoli
Edamame
Green beans
Butternut squash puree
Tomato puree
Blueberries
FRESH Pea shoots

Golden Earthworm Cider Share

Golden Earthworm Apple Share

Categories
*In the box

In the Box: Summer, Week #8

Veg Share*
Zucchini – several pieces
Cucumbers – 2-3 pieces
Swiss Chard – 1 bunch
Cippolini Onions – 1 bunch
Broccoli – 2-3 pieces
Garlic – 1 large or 2 medium heads
Beets – 1 quart
Batavian – Green & Red- 2 baby heads
*Contents of the share may fluctuate over the week.

Fruit Share
Peaches – 1 bag
Apricots – 1 bag
Blackberries -OR- Blueberries

Herb Share
Rosemary
Oregano

Milk Not Jails Dairy Share
Dairy share pick up is weekly. Don’t forget your milk!

Beyond the bountiful harvest, a few friendly reminders:

CSA BBQ Sat, July 28th 4pm
Join your fellow CSA’ers for an evening barbeque at Sunnyside Gardens Park! Bring your friends and family, grilling items and a dish to share. Please RSVP by July 25th.

Lewis Waite Farm CSA Extras
Order your Lewis Waite extras now and have your burgers and brats in time for the CSA BBQ! Order deadline is Sunday, July 22nd for delivery on July 26th.

Milk Not Jails Monthly Specials
It’s time again to make your à la carte dairy purchases from Milk Not Jails. Milk, yogurt, butter, ice cream and more! Order and pay online. Deadline is Monday, July 23rd at 5pm for delivery on August 2nd.